Description:Speed-lovers, be prepared for the newest attraction taking over the Birmingham, AL area; European style indoor go-karting! Our 53,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility in Jefferson County, AL is the largest completely indoor karting facility in Alabama. This means perfect racing conditions every day. Satisfy your “need for speed” in one of our unique, high speed electric Italian pro-karts. These F1 inspired karts reach speeds of up to 50 mph! Our attractive, upscale facility has the latest technology to make sure your experience is second to none!

Description:Civil rights legend, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, was pastor of Bethel Baptist Church from 1953 through 1961. The church often served as a gathering place for discussions of civil rights. The church was bombed in 1958.

Description:Richly detailed exhibits in the Civil Rights Institute reveal slices of black and white life in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present. A series of galleries tells the stories of daily life for African-Americans in the state and the nation and how dramatically different it was from the lives white people of that era took for granted. The powerful Movement Gallery presents the Civil Rights Movement for 1955 to 1963. Here a picture emerges of the bad old days of “Bombingham,” a reference to the relentless violence that rocked the city in the late 1950s and early ’60s. In the final exhibits, the Processional Gallery uses life-size figures representing all ages and races to portray the “walk to freedom.” Open Tuesday- Saturday, 10am- 5pm; Sunday, 1pm- 5pm. Admission.

Description:The Negro Southern League Museum (NSLM) tells the story of African-American baseball in America through the eyes of Birmingham, Alabama. The museum features the largest collection of original Negro Southern League baseball artifacts in the country. NSLM also features an on-site research center that is supported by a research team made up of seven of the top researchers in Negro Southern League baseball history. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, please make plans to visit the Negro Southern League Museum. Whether you are a baseball enthusiast or a novice, the Negro Southern League Museum has something for you. Admission is FREE! Open Monday-Friday, 11am- 5pm. Tour Tuesday from 8am- 5pm. Saturday from 12noon- 5pm. Closed Sunday. The museum will be closed on the following days and major holidays: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Good Friday and the following Saturday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Description:The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church is Birmingham’ s most famous Civil Rights landmark. On a September Sunday morning in 1963, four African-American schoolgirls were in the basement of the church just prior to the worship service. A bomb set by Ku Klux Klansmen ripped through that side of the church, killing 11-year-old Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Addie Mae Collins, all 14 years old. The bombing was a turning point in the status of race relations locally and nationally. Now a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the church is a reminder of man’s inhumanity and his capacity for love and forgiveness. The sanctuary of the church contains a massive stained glass window of Christ, given in memoriam from the people of Wales following the bombing. Tours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (by appt. only) 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday: Visitors are welcome to join the 11:00 a.m. worship service but there are no tours. Donations welcome.

Description:The Grants Mills Station Adventure Park consists of two courses with two different levels of difficulty for every member of the family. Test your balance and agility by working your way from platform to platform high in the forest, crossing bridges, climbing ladders, conquering obstacles, and zooming across zip lines. Open Tuesday-Sunday. park can be booked for groups on weekends.

Description:One of the most beautiful, and historic show caves in the U.S. Features an awesome sound, light & water show in the Great Onyx Cathedral, larger than a football field, higher than a 12-story building and full of onyx stalagmite and stalactite formations. Learn of the history about the prehistoric Indians that lived and died in the caverns, confederate soldiers that mined gunpowder, early Indian traders that visited, and moonshine making during probation times. Open year-round with a cave temperature of 60 degrees, the park offers campgrounds, gift shop with snack bar, scenic picnic area & pavilions near waterfalls, streams and ponds. Spend the day playing on the 21 outside attractions: DeSoto’s Lost Trail Maze, Gemstone Panning, Crystal Find, Cave Crawl Box, Cave Wall Climb, Bow & Arrow Shoot, Wacky Water Golf, Water Dodge, Happy’s Hoppin Cave, Super Slide, Pedal Go-Karts, Obstacle Challenge, Squirt Gun Maze, Happy’s Hoops, Desoto’s Park Express, Paddle Boats, Roller Racers, Twin Spin, Rock & Roll, Potty Racers & Water Balloon Battle. Just 36 miles southeast of Birmingham down Hwy 280, in Childersburg. Call 800-933-CAVE (2283).

Description:Birmingham Boulders is a new project from First Avenue Rocks. Birmingham Boulders is big! With over 12,000 square feet of climbing in a facility that is more than twice the size of our First Avenue Rocks facility, this means Birmingham Boulders will be the largest bouldering gym east of Colorado. Our new space has allowed us to expand all of our programs: more bouldering terrain, an expanded kids and family area, and more training- a lot more training.

Description:Four floors of hands-on exhibits and an IMAX Dome Theatre are all part of the fun of learning at McWane Science Center. Celebrating science and discovery, the exhibits include everything from dinosaurs to space travel. Play tunes with your feet on the Giant Piano, and learn about gravity with a daring ride on the High Cycle. Pet the sharks and stingrays in the Shark & Ray Touch Tank, and check out the Zoetrope for visual illusions of motion from still pictures. Open September- May, Monday- Friday, 9am- 5pm; Saturday, 10am- 6pm; Sunday, noon- 6pm. June- August, Monday- Saturday, 10am- 6pm; Sunday, noon- 6pm. Admission.

Description:Remy’s Dog Park: Remy’s Dog Park is officially open to the public! The local Birmingham community has invested over 750 hours of ‘sweat equity’ to preparing Remy’s Dog Park and now the 6-acre space is ready to welcome you and your dog! Remy’s Dog Park will feature THREE designated fenced-in areas to accommodate large dogs (1.7 acres), small dogs (.7 acres) and special needs dogs-elderly, shy, injured or recovering- (.3 acres). Remy’s Dog Park features lots of open green space for running and shaded space for resting. Kaul Adventure Tower: Gear up for Red Mountain Park’s newest attraction—the Kaul Adventure Tower! This 80 foot tall climbing tower features eight climbing lanes, two rappelling lanes (one 72 feet and the other 36 feet), a 72 foot climbing wall, leaf and mountain laurel climbing options and a mega zip line that measures 1,300 FEET LONG! Enjoy our new superman harnesses, which will allow adventurers to leave the tower headfirst flying through the trees! The Kaul Adventure Tower was constructed by North Carolina’s own Beanstalk Builders. The Beanstalk team also built our Red Ore Zip Tour and Kaul Beanstalk Forest. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication to the Red Mountain Park project!

Description:The Pepper Place Saturday Market is a much-anticipated weekly seasonal event, taking place Saturday mornings from early spring through late fall. The region’ s farming families converge on a lot in the Lakeview District to sell fresh vegetables and flowers, fresh-baked breads, cakes and pies, and even fresh honey. Local musicians and Birmingham’ s finest chefs join the farming community and market patrons for entertainment and cooking demonstrations. A former Dr. Pepper bottling plant, Pepper Place is also known for its shops that have made it a premier design center.

Description:Built in 1927, the Alabama Theatre is one of the nation’s last operating movie palaces, featuring first-run and revival films, concerts and other special events. It is one of the grand architectural accomplishments saved from the wrecking-ball fate of many others of that era. The “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ still rises from the orchestra pit and is often played to accompany silent films. Attending an event or movie at the Alabama is one of the most highly recommended activities for visitors to the city. Join us for a tour of the historic Alabama Theatre, the Showplace of the South. The tour begins in the ticket lobby and leads you all the way up to the balcony, concluding in the auditorium with a demonstration of Big Bertha, the Alabama’s prized Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The tour lasts approximately one hour and costs $10/guest. The Alabama Theatre does not have an elevator and stairs are involved in this tour. Doors will open 15 minutes before the tour begins. The door will be locked five minutes after the beginning of the tour and late guests will not be accommodated. Tours are available the first Wednesday of each month at 11am and 2pm, unless otherwise noted.

Description:The American Village is a unique Shelby County attraction located on 183 acres in Montevallo, just 30 minutes south of Birmingham. Costumed historical interpreters guide visitors back in history to participate in the drama of America’s journey for independence. Highlights include Washington Hall, inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon; replicas of the White House Oval Office and East Room; Concord Bridge; and a Colonial Chapel. The newest addition to this distinctive campus is the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor, which tells the stories of service and sacrifice by Alabama’s and America’s veterans. Open to the public Monday-Friday 10-4 (check the website for exclusions). Specialized group tours are available by request. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 seniors and youth. Veterans, active military and children ages 4 and under are admitted free.

Description:Richly detailed exhibits in the Civil Rights Institute reveal slices of black and white life in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present. A series of galleries tells the stories of daily life for African-Americans in the state and the nation and how dramatically different it was from the lives white people of that era took for granted. The powerful Movement Gallery presents the Civil Rights Movement for 1955 to 1963. Here a picture emerges of the bad old days of “Bombingham,” a reference to the relentless violence that rocked the city in the late 1950s and early ’60s. In the final exhibits, the Processional Gallery uses life-size figures representing all ages and races to portray the “walk to freedom.” Open Tuesday- Saturday, 10am- 5pm; Sunday, 1pm- 5pm. Admission.

Description:The Birmingham Museum of Art has one of the finest collections in the Southeast. More than 24,000 objects represent a rich panorama of cultures, including Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian and Native American. Highlights include the museum’ s collection of Asian art, considered the finest and most comprehensive in the Southeast, and its collection of Vietnamese ceramics, one of the finest in the world; a remarkable Kress collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the late 13th century to the 1750s; the collection of 18th century European decorative arts, which includes superior examples of English ceramics and French furniture; and the museum’ s world-renowned collection of Wedgwood, the largest outside of England. Excellent café. Open Tuesday- Saturday, 10am- 5pm; Sunday, noon- 5pm. Donations welcome.

Description:Sloss is a 32-acre blast furnace plant where iron was made for nearly 100 years. Now a museum of history and industry, the site preserves a collection of machinery, buildings and industrial structures. These artifacts typify the first 100 years of Birmingham’ s history and the technology that drove America’ s rise to world industrial dominance. Sloss is the only 20th century blast furnace in the country being preserved and interpreted as a museum. Additional interest at Sloss is the speculation that the furnaces are haunted by a former foundryman. Open Tuesday- Saturday, 10am- 4pm; Sunday, noon- 4pm. Donations welcome.

Description:The Southern Museum of Flight is dedicated to investigating, preserving and promoting the rich stories of Southern aviation. Among the top exhibits are the Korean War jets, the Tuskegee Airmen diorama, the Lake Murray B-25, and the Vietnam War helicopters. Ship models and full-size aircraft carriers also are in the collection. Open Tuesday- Saturday, 9:30am- 4:30pm. Admission.

Description:Young and old. Modern and classic. It’s a fusion that makes Birmingham truly magical. At Vulcan Park and Museum, we’re a perfect blend of past and present, representing the spirit of our city. With breathtaking views of the city and a modern, yet timeless space for hosting, Vulcan Park and Museum holds distinction as a premier venue in Birmingham. We provide indoor and outdoor space, both of which offer the perfect setting for your special occasion. From intimate brunches and lunch meetings to elaborate dinners, corporate cocktail events, state-of-the-art seminars, wedding ceremonies and receptions, Vulcan Park and Museum’s professional staff will assist you in making your event flawless. Treat your guests to spectacular views of Birmingham, interact inside Vulcan Center’s captivating history museum, and introduce your VIP’s to Birmingham’s beloved icon, Vulcan. Your special event at Vulcan Park and Museum is sure to make a lasting impression on all who attend.

Description:Aldridge Botanical Gardens is a beautiful 30-acre woodland garden showcasing hydrangeas and native plants. Enjoy a half-mile walk around the six-acre lake, have a picnic or attend the many events hosted throughout the year, including plants sales, art show, seminars and Arts Alfresco concerts. Aldridge Botanical Gardens is located on the corner of Lorna Road and Rocky Ridge Ranch Road in Hoover. The signature flower of Aldridge Gardens is the Snowflake Hydrangea, a lush white flower developed and propagated by noted nurseryman Eddie Aldridge.

Description:The glory of nature in the heart of the city—that’s the promise of the 67-acre Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The gardens are Alabama’s largest living museum with more than 10,000 different plants in 25 themed areas. The gardens also have more than 30 works of original outdoor sculpture and miles of walking paths. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens also has the largest public horticulture library in the U.S., conservatories, a wildflower garden, two rose gardens and Japanese Gardens with a traditionally crafted tea house. The gift shop is a special treat. Open sunrise to sunset daily.

Description:More outdoor adventure can be found at Alabama’ s largest state park. The 10,000-acre park has a sandy beach area fronting the lake, rental boats and fishing equipment, an 18-hole golf course, and some of the best mountain biking trails in the Southeast. The Wildlife Center and Treetop Nature Trail give visitors up-close views of hawks and owls that cannot be released into the wild. Overnight accommodations also are available within the park. Open every day, 7am- 5pm. Admission.

Description:Regions Field is the home field for the Birmingham Barons of the Southern League, and replaced Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover as their home field. Regions Field is located adjacent to the Railroad Park, just south of downtown Birmingham. Baseball in Birmingham traces its history to 1885 with the establishment of the original Barons, and from 1910 to 1987, professional baseball teams called Rickwood Field home. In 1988, the Barons moved to Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, leaving the city Birmingham without professional baseball. In 2009, a proposal surfaced to build a downtown stadium to bring baseball back to Birmingham. After a feasibility study was completed, in October 2010, the city lodging tax was increased to finance its construction and in November 2010, a tentative agreement was reached to bring the Barons back to Birmingham. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new facility on February 2, 2012, and the park celebrated its grand opening on April 10, 2013.

Description:Home to the world’s best motorcycle collection, the museum now has more than 1200 vintage and modern motorcycles and racecars and the largest collection of Lotus cars as well as other significant makes. The collection is the largest of its kind in the world. Approximately 600 of the 1200 motorcycles in the collection are on display at any given time. These bikes range from 1902 to current-year production. Common street bikes are represented, as well as rare Gran Prix race machinery. The museum is adjacent to Barber Motorsports Park, a world-class 2.3 mile road course and home to the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama. Open Monday– Saturday, 10am– 5pm; Sunday, noon- 5pm. Admission.

Description:Approximately 1 miles from downtown Birmingham. An extensive $4.5 million renovation in 1998 transformed this beautiful course into an urban gem. Equipped with an 18-hole, historic golf course, driving range, private banquet room and outdoor entertaining space, Highland Park Golf is the perfect spot for golf tournaments, corporate outings, weddings, private events and more in the Birmingham area! Located in the heart of one of Birmingham’s favorite neighborhoods, Highland Park will help your next event become the perfect mix of a traditional gathering with hip, downtown charm. We take pride in the fact that every guest leaves with a memorable experience! To start planning your event at Highland Park, call Jennifer at 205.322.1902 or e-mail Jennifer.Johnston@HonoursGolf.com.

Description:With golf friendly weather virtually year-round, Birmingham is home to some of the region’ s premiere public courses. Among the handsome courses in the greater Birmingham area are two that are part of the nationally-acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a collection of 468 holes of championship-caliber golf at 11 sites across Alabama. The Oxmoor Valley course is a 54-hole facility sculpted from the peaks and valleys of the Appalachians, with creeks, scenic forests and challenging elevation changes. The 18-hole Ross Bridge course, the world’s third longest golf course, is beautifully carved into the rolling terrain of Shannon Valley and challenges even the best golfers. Fees.

Description:Discover the Village … Brookwood Village, where you will find some of Birmingham’s most popular shops and restaurants. Shop in a beautiful climate-controlled mall featuring Macy’s, Belk, Books-A-Million, Z Gallerie, Banana Republic, Victoria’s Secret and many other exciting stores. Dine al fresco at Brio Tuscan Grille, Cocina Superior and more. Also, enjoy power shopping at DSW, Target and The Fresh Market! Covered parking and valet service are available. Located off Shades Creek Parkway (Alabama 149) between U.S. 280 and U.S. 31.

Description:Located at Exit 140 along the I-20 corridor between Birmingham and Atlanta in Leeds, AL, The Outlet Shops of Grand River is a distinctive outlet destination, featuring more than 67 brand name stores. The Outlet Shops of Grand River is home to leading designers and top brand names, including Banana Republic Factory Store, COACH Factory, Guess Factory Store, Kenneth Cole, LOFT Outlet, Nine West Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Tommy Hilfiger, among many more. Shoppers throughout Central and North Alabama will find current fashion trends at up to 65% off regular retail prices every day. The Outlet Shops of Grand River is part of a 6,500 acre community development that includes Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Barber Motor Sports Park & Museum and more than 1,500 acres of parks and natural wildlife habitat, providing the backdrop for both single and multi-family residential and commercial development.

Description:In the heart of the suburb of Mountain Brook, these three distinct shopping areas are linked by tree lined sidewalks. English Village has restaurants, coffee houses and garden shops. Mountain Brook Village has funky art shops, high end boutiques and home furnishing stores. (Don’t miss a stroll through Smith’s Variety for a variety of toys and candy bins.) Crestline Village has a nice mix of restaurants and high fashion shops with special emphasis on children’s clothing.